Is your goods “Made in”?

It is extremely important to understand all the requirements imposed by the European Customs Law that regulates the application on the goods of the “Madein” status. Firstly, this will avoid any penalties that should incur for any illicit behavior and, secondly, the Producer will have the possibility to add a quality value to his product, especially when the “Made in” is related to a country of great quality tradition, as Italy can be.

When can you be sure to use the “Made in”? Please check the following topics:

• The goods that has been totally produced in a determined country can be considered “Made in” that country.

• The goods whose production involved more than one country is considered originated to the country where the last, substantial goods’ transformation has been done. This has to be economically justified and the result of the work done in the country giving the “Made in” to the product, has to be the manufacture of a new product.

In the European Community laws does not exist, therefore, a clear obligation imposing to state the origin of the product by labelling it. The European Court of Justice has shown his opposition to introduce compulsory indication of the “Made in”, as it could help to weaken the European market.

Except for some specific types of products, affixing labeling “Made in” on goods sold in Italy is not mandatory.

Finally, the actual “law” is that the manufacturer / importer has not to indicate his product’s origin to the final consumer, provided that there are no elements (signs, marks, etc..) that are likely to mislead the consumer on the actual origin of the product. Where the “Made in” is indicated, this must respect the rules of origin provided by European Legislation. Otherwise, the entrepreneur will be exposed to penalties and the goods will be subject to seizure and possibly destroyed.

The new labeling legislation affects only the textile, footwear, leather goods, as well as products for tanneries and sofas and provides a system of mandatory labeling bearing evidence of the place of origin of each processing step.

For more information, please refer to the Community Customs Code (Reg. EEC 2913/92).